Live Like a Roman!

While Steve and Sally saw the sights downtown, Jim and I happily got on the ponies again for a cycle out to an archeological site in a small town of Rincon de la Victoria on the coast east of Malaga. It was again a lovely ride on seaside bike paths all the way.

Villa Antiopa Museographic Collection opened its doors in December 2022. This beach-side Roman villa was built at the end of the 3rdC AD and was discovered 20-odd years ago during the construction of an apartment building. It now occupies the entire lower level of the apartments above and is considered one of the best preserved maritime villas in Andalucía.

On arrival, we were a little surprised and dubious about this as the online info did not really make this clear but it turned out to be an amazing experience. As there was nowhere outside to safely lock up the bikes, the staff were happy for us to bring them inside the reception area. Bonus one! Bonus two was that we were practically alone inside. Bonus 3 was an excellent audio guide and a very clever interpretation of what life was probably like for the family who occupied this villa.

The site consists of rooms of the villa, with partially intact mosaic floors and foundations that you see via a walkway around the circumference, with displays of Roman ceramics and other artifacts and short informative films at different points.

We happily spent a few hours immersed in Roman villa living and emerged a bit dazed into present day Med life, biking back to “Villa Julia”. Definitely recommend this excursion if you are ever near here.

Steve and Sally bused out to our beach neighborhood for HH and dinner at one of the many seafood eateries. It’s hard to choose but we went with a recommendation from Julia. Not sure the Romans had it this good.

Afterwards we enjoyed some local music at another busy little bar nearby. Suddenly, the guitarist called out “Hey Canada!” Looking at us. Huh! Then someone told us it was because we clapped. Who knew? Identified by your cultural appreciation gestures. He didn’t mistake us for Romans though.